ORLANDO, Fla. – In a move that underscores its commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved a Fiscal Year 2026 budget amendment for $27 million to support an initiative under the recently organized Beautiful Airports Program. This is a transformative effort dedicated to enhancing safety, functionality, and aesthetics at Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Executive (ORL) airports.

The funding includes both strategic use of existing Operations and Maintenance funds, along with the $27 million budget amendment, for a total of $40 million.

“Everything we do is centered on elevating the journey,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which manages MCO and ORL. “While we are making bold, transformative investments to accommodate more flights and more passengers, we know that a truly world-class experience is defined by the details.”

At the heart of the mission for the Beautiful Airports Program is a simple yet powerful idea: every detail matters. The program comprises the Beautiful Airports Team, bringing together subject matter experts from various Aviation Authority divisions to address everything from targeted repairs and fresh paint to deep cleaning and pressure washing. The work goes beyond routine facilities maintenance as the team elevates the look, feel, and safety of the airport environment in ways guests will immediately notice.

Momentum & Milestones

As part of Wednesday’s GOAA Board meeting, members reelected Stephanie Kopelousos to another term as Chair. GOAA is governed by a seven-member board, including the Mayor of the City of Orlando, Mayor of Orange County, and five members appointed by the Governor of the State of Florida. Kopelousos was first selected as Chair in August 2025 and has reinforced the Aviation Authority’s commitment to innovation and the next generation of airport development.

The Board also applauded CEO Lyttle on his first full year of service. Lyttle joined GOAA in April 2025 with more than two decades of airport leadership experience. In that time, he has focused intently on initiatives to significantly enhance every touchpoint of the passenger journey and strengthen airport operations. His leadership is guided by GOAA’s Board-approved vision, built on four pillars: Customer Experience, Community, Infrastructure, and People.

The Board also expressed deep appreciation for Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Sharman, who will retire in May following a distinguished career in public service.

In recognition of her contributions, GOAA Board Member and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer proclaimed May 1, 2026, as Kathleen Sharman Appreciation Day in the City of Orlando. The proclamation highlights her steady financial leadership and role in guiding GOAA through a period of unprecedented growth, with MCO now serving nearly 58 million passengers annually.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando International Airport (MCO) is in the midst of its Spring Break rush, a period that consistently brings some of the highest passenger volumes of the year. The airport, currently in the peak stretch of a 46-day travel window that ends April 7th, will see its busiest days between March 12th and March 16th.

“Central Florida enjoys a unique ranking as a favorite Spring Break destination because it is attractive to a wide range of audiences” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates MCO. “We have popular theme parks, golfing, a growing food scene, sporting competitions, and other attractions, while also being blessed with beautiful weather that escapes other parts of the country at this time of year.”

During the Spring Break travel period, nearly 53,000 flights will operate into and out of MCO. The busiest day is projected to be March 15th with an estimated 212,000 travelers at MCO.

In total, more than 7.4 million passengers are expected, which is an 8 percent increase over 2025 – itself a record year.

Projected Peak Spring Break 2026 Passenger Counts

As always, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours in advance of their flight and to be at the security checkpoint two hours before departure time. Travelers are also encouraged to practice the three P’s - Pack, Park, Plane:

Pack as lightly as possible.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) captured the top honor at the Routes Americas 2026 Awards, becoming the Overall Winner for the first time in the airport’s history. MCO was also honored once again as the top airport in the Over 20 Million Passengers category. These recognitions for air service development are especially meaningful because the Routes Awards are determined by airline votes, reflecting the confidence and respect MCO has earned from its industry partners.

MCO leaders were on hand as the honors were announced during the regional Routes Americas event in Rio de Janeiro. The awards highlight MCO’s continued commitment to air service development, collaborative partnerships, and strategic growth that benefit both travelers and airlines that service Central Florida.

“It is an honor, and a reflection of our commitment to global air service development, to receive this esteemed award at Routes Americas,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages and operates Orlando International Airport (MCO). “By collaborating with our tourism partners and other key stakeholders, we are able to launch new routes, strengthen economies and connect people, cultures, and possibilities.”

The annual regional Routes Americas conference serves as a vital opportunity for airline decision-makers to meet with airport leaders to plan future air service for the region.

MCO’s achievements come on the heels of a year marked by record-setting growth. The airport welcomed 57.7 million passengers in 2025, surpassing 2019 levels by 14%. Last year, MCO added 45 new and expanded routes, including international service to Hamilton (Canada), Lima (Peru), Paris (France), Munich (Germany), and Madrid (Spain).

With a network that reaches more than 170 nonstop destinations around the world, MCO is making significant strides already in 2026. On February 23, MCO became the first airport in the state to host a passenger charter service between Florida and the Asia Pacific region, with ZIPAIR’s inaugural service to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). Leadership from both MCO and ZIPAIR anticipate the initial charter offering will lay a foundation for additional opportunities between these two destinations. Later this year, TAP Air Portugal is planning to introduce new nonstop service between Orlando and Lisbon in October, pending government approval.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a new community exhibition, Orlando International Airport features a collection of people, culture, and lived experiences from established Central Florida communities as seen through the eyes of photographers who belong to the (re)Frame collective, a platform that seeks to foster a deeper understanding of photography as a vital medium for artistic expression.

The Beauty of Orlando’s Historic Communities is in observance of Black History Month with 27 photographs by 12 local emerging and established artists with (re)Frame, many of whom have never had their work on exhibit in a public space. The photographers’ focus is on representation, storytelling, and perspective, and includes images from Parramore, Eatonville, Washington Shores, Sanford, Maitland, Winter Park, and Kissimmee.

(re)Frame co-founders Barbara Chandler and Mariah Roman helped to curate the exhibit.

The photographs range from a thoughtful portrait of visual artist Jane Turner, a longtime and beloved resident of Eatonville by Davvon Branker, to a familiar outdoor chess game in “Rap-aerobics” at the Eatonville Community Pool (2025) by photographer Tony “Ramzy” Hicks. Washington Shores by Cynthia Slaughter, to a powerful ballerina on pointe shoes in Maitland by Kadeem Stewart.

(re)Frame celebrates the broad range of lens-based art through curated exhibitions, artist panels, and educational programming. Their mission is to promote photography as a vital medium for artistic expression, cultural storytelling, and social dialogue, empowering artists, and inspiring communities.

“Through this exhibition, we recognize historic communities in the Orlando area as well as the community of photographers in the (re)Frame collective,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). “It is our honor to share their visual storytelling to educate and inspire travelers.”

“The Beauty of Orlando’s Historic Communities” is on display through April 7, 2026, in the Community Exhibition Gallery area in Terminal A, Level 3, near the GOAA Executive Offices.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been recognized with two distinguished Customer Experience Awards from the global organization Airports Council International (ACI) World, bringing the airport further recognition as a favorite among its nearly 58 million annual passengers.

The awards were given in two separate categories: Best Airport at Departures and Most Enjoyable. MCO was recognized as one of three Best Airports at Departures in North America with 40 million-plus passengers, and one of three in North America as Most Enjoyable. ACI serves more than 2,200 airports in 160 countries worldwide.

“Winning these two prestigious customer experience awards is an incredible honor and a reflection of our team’s unending commitment to our passengers,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages Orlando International Airport. “The recognition as one of the most enjoyable airports and having one of the best departure experiences in the industry underscores everything we do. These accolades belong to our employees, who show up with dedication and passion every day.”

ORLANDO, Fla. – Marking a first for Orlando International Airport (MCO), a nonstop passenger flight from Tokyo touched down at 1:35 p.m. today to cheers and applause – celebrating ZIPAIR’s inaugural passenger charter service between Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) and MCO. It is the first nonstop passenger charter service between Florida and the Asia Pacific.

“This arrival marks a special partnership with ZIPAIR and a special moment in Orlando International’s history,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “Orlando and Tokyo are two of the world’s most visited destinations. I am hopeful that this connection will help to enrich cultural ties and create more opportunities for robust economic activity.”

“Today’s arrival of ZIPAIR’s Flight 714 is the culmination of promoting Orlando as a viable route for the past 30 years,” said Vicki Jaramillo, Chief Commercial Officer for GOAA. “This work could not have been done without the incredible Air Service Development team and partners such as Mickeynet, Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee and others who remained steadfast in recruiting an airline to service the Asia Pacific.”

Airport staff marked the occasion with a press conference that featured Mark Morimoto, Regional Director of Marketing and Sales, ZIPAIR, and Jeff van Langeveld, Vice President, International Marketing & Sales, Disney Destinations. Tokyo and Orlando are both Disney destinations, and today’s arrival of 280 passengers from Tokyo brought dozens of Disney enthusiasts.

ZIPAIR passengers were greeted by a water salute on the runway, and live music and refreshments in Terminal C.

Arriving passengers enjoyed the festivities and the chance to take the inaugural flight.

“It was incredible. Easy, no complaints and I definitely recommend it,” said Christina Whisnant of New Smyrna Beach. “I’ll be going over more often now that I know there’s good snowboarding in Hokkaido so it’s a nice way to get to Tokyo, roam around and then get to Hokkaido. So, I’ll be using ZIPAIR, again.”

The announcement about ZIPAIR’s charter service was made in October at a press conference in Tokyo. Both MCO and ZIPAIR leadership anticipate that the charter service will lay a foundation for additional flights between the two destinations.

During the past few years, international traffic at MCO has grown – resulting in approximately 1.4 million more international visitors in 2025 than in 2023.

As Florida’s busiest airport, the 9th busiest airport in the U.S., and the world’s 25th busiest, MCO could be on the brink to welcome even more international visitors in 2026.

Rendering of future design for Airside 1 (Gates 1-29) and Airside 3 (Gates 30-59)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved additional investments that advance a transformative vision for Orlando International Airport (MCO) and enhance the experience for millions of guests each year.

“We’re in a transformative period for MCO,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which manages and operates MCO. “As we grow to meet record demand, we’re also reimaging how an airport can feel: welcoming, efficient, and forward-thinking. By investing in innovative solutions and modern designs, we’re building an airport experience that reflects Orlando’s global appeal and prepares us for the future of air travel.”

As part of this commitment, the Board authorized $4.5 million to expand the length of moving walkways connecting Terminal C to the Train Station facility and the soon-to-open Terminal C Rental Car Lobby. Expanded walkways will improve passenger comfort and efficiency along what will become one of Terminal C’s most heavily-used pedestrian corridors.

This investment complements an expanded walkway project that has been planned since before the opening of the Pedestrian Bridge, a $114 million project providing an enclosed walkway between Terminal C and the Train Station.

This project includes construction of a Rental Car Lobby (RAC), complete with counters, seating, restrooms, and concessions. The RAC Lobby will serve passengers who rent or return cars at Terminal C. On-site rental car companies will continue to provide services in Terminals A and B. As the world’s largest rental car market, based on gross revenue, MCO’s new Rental Car Lobby will accommodate Terminal C’s passengers, making the rental car airport experience as smooth as possible. Construction of the Terminal C Rental Car Lobby is scheduled for completion later this year.

Additional passenger conveyance within Terminal C, extending from Palm Court to Gate C230, is still being studied.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the GOAA Board also previewed the future design of gate areas in Terminals A and B, as part of a $351 million interior renovation program. These enhancements will refresh Airside 1 (Gates 1-29), Airside 3 (Gates 30-59), and Levels 2 and 3 of Terminals A and B, introducing new flooring, wall finishes, ceilings, and upgraded lighting.

In addition, all restrooms across the four airsides in Terminals A and B (Gates 1-129) will be refurbished, with expanded and new restrooms added to better serve passengers.

These projects are part of GOAA’s ambitious $5.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which is a strategically phased through 2030. The program focuses on expanding capacity, modernizing facilities, and elevating the passenger journey at every touchpoint, today and well into the future.

Tod D. Willman addresses the MCO Air Cargo Association.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) is making way for More Cargo Options in 2026, as discussed earlier this week during an MCO Air Cargo Association Meeting that attracted a group of logistics and supply chain professionals from across Central Florida.

The meeting also brought together representing organizations from a cross-section of the industry, including international shipping corporations, domestic and international airlines, ground handling services, freight forwarders, construction and engineering firms, local and federal government officials, and other important stakeholders.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) MCO Cargo Association hosted the meeting, which included an overview of new developments and a discussion on how to make MCO more attractive to the air cargo industry.

“We want you to tell us what we can do to make Orlando International a better airport for air cargo because we want to diversify as an airport,” said Tod D. Willman, Assistant Vice President of Cargo Development for GOAA. “With our new Tokyo and Madrid services, and other new international services, we are truly becoming a gateway to the world, and more than just a leisure airport.”

While Orlando and surrounding areas are known for famous characters and world-class attractions, the area also has vibrant aerospace, simulation, life sciences, and educational ecosystems. These industries make MCO an ideal destination for cargo operations while offering a convenient location with easy access to the interstate highways and less congestion than other airports in the region. In addition, MCO offers an extensive domestic network and has 60 international origin and destination pairs that offer widebody belly capacity to Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

Diego Vergara Casado, Business Development Manager for Cargo Network Services (CNS), a subsidiary of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), was the featured speaker for the afternoon. Mr. Casado shared data that provided insight into global cargo industry trends in recent years, and how those trends will impact cargo operations in the coming year.

Featured speaker Diego Vergara Casado shares air cargo data and trends in the air cargo industry.

“By volume, air cargo accounted for less than 1% of global trade in 2024. But by value, air cargo accounted for almost 25% (of global trade). This is because air cargo is the preferred mode for high-value goods, such as semi-conductors, perishables, precious metals, and more.”

GOAA’s Vision, adopted by the GOAA Board in October 2025, includes the goal to develop at least one new cargo processing facility.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved a fresh, forward-looking vision for parking at Orlando International Airport (MCO), including the planning and development of two garage expansion projects designed to keep pace with Central Florida’s rapid growth.

The Terminal A Garage and Rental Car (RAC) Expansion project and New Terminal C Garage and Rental Car (RAC) Expansion project both build on strong public support for more parking options.

The Board previously removed a proposed Consolidated Rental Car (ConRAC) Facility project from the MCO Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The decision to forgo a single consolidated rental car facility is a shift toward more cost-effective projects and enhancements that can be delivered more quickly, while other options for a ConRAC are being explored.

“This decision is about listening to our customers, tenants, and our community, adapting to changing needs, and investing where it matters most,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which operates Orlando International Airport. “By reenvisioning how we use existing land and infrastructure, we can deliver meaningful improvements faster, while keeping customer experience at the forefront of everything we do.”

Preliminary planning for the Terminal A Garage and the new Terminal C Garage expansions envisions multistory structures. These projects fit GOAA’s goals of increasing public parking by 8,000 spaces, with targeted openings in the year 2030.